In Memoriam: 14 Celebrity Deaths That Rocked Us To The Core in 2014

When we look back at the year 2014, we’ll remember it as being one of the more tragic years in recent memory as it relates to shocking celebrity deaths. Things got off to a very grim start in February with the tragic passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman (overdose), perhaps the greatest acting talent of his generation. Then, during the late summer, we had to deal with not one but two shocking fatalities that sent shockwaves through the comedy community: Robin Williams (suicide) and Joan Rivers (medical malpractice?).

The 14 individuals in the following list (organized chronologically) were all giants in the pop culture universe, and although they are now gone, their legacies as great actors, writers and directors will live on through their work.

Photo: Everett Collection

WHO: Philip Seymour HoffmanLIVED: July 23, 1967 – February 2, 2014 (Aged 46)NOTABLE FOR: 2005 Academy Award winner for Best Actor for his work in Capote; 3 other Oscar nominations

WHO: Harold RamisLIVED: November 21, 1944 – February 24, 2014 (Aged 69)NOTABLE FOR: Writer/director of Caddyshack, National Lampoon's Vacation, and Groundhog Day; as an actor, starred in Ghostbusters and Stripes

Photo: Everett Collection

WHO: Mickey RooneyLIVED: September 23, 1920 – April 6, 2014 (Aged 93)NOTABLE FOR: Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner; honored with an Academy Award in 1938 for "significant contribution in bringing to the screen the spirit and personification of youth, and as juvenile players setting a high standard of ability and achievement."

WHO: Ann B. DavisLIVED: May 5, 1926 – June 1, 2014 (Aged 88)NOTABLE FOR: Playing the role of Alice on The Brady Bunch from 1969-1974

Photo: Everett Collection

WHO: Casey KasemLIVED: April 27, 1932 – June 15, 2014 (Aged 82)NOTABLE FOR: Being the host of American Top 40 from 1970-2004; voicing Shaggy on Scooby-Doo

Photo: Everett Collection

WHO: James GarnerLIVED: April 7, 1928 – July 19, 2014 (Aged 86)NOTABLE FOR: Being the star of two major television hits, Maverick and The Rockford Files; also appeared in over 50 films, including The Notebook and Murphy's Romance

WHO: Robin WilliamsLIVED: July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014 (Aged 63)NOTABLE FOR: Won the 1997 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Good Will Hunting; also received two Emmy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and five Grammy Awards throughout his career.SEE ALSO: Read Decider's Robin Williams appreciation